The 15 best LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings in Charlotte
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Scorpio Nightclub, housed in the former RSVP complex, draws a massive weekend crowd. Photo: Edison Peterson/Scorpio
Happy Pride Month! Here are 15 LGBTQ+ bars, spaces and gatherings to check out in Charlotte.
Why it matters: June is National Pride Month, and while Charlotte's official Pride celebrations take place in August, these local spots celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community year-round.
Editor's note: This is not an exhaustive list and it’s in no particular order.
- Event details are subject to change; please check each organization's website or social media platforms for the most up-to-date information.
Bars and Clubs
Bar Argon
The vibe: Bar Argon is “Charlotte’s only true video bar,” according to its website. There's also karaoke on Saturdays.
Stop by: 4544 South Blvd.
- Follow Bar Argon on Instagram for details on upcoming events.
Chasers
The vibe: A long-time LGBTQ+ bar in NoDa with frequent theme nights (think glow parties, karaoke and country nights) and drink specials.
Stop by: 3217 The Plaza, near The Artisan’s Palate.
- Follow along on Instagram for details on upcoming events.
Sidelines
The vibe: An LGBTQ+ sports bar located next to Bar Argon on South Boulevard.
Stop by: 4544 South Blvd.
Scorpio (RSVP complex)
The vibe: Housed in the former RSVP space in South End, this nightclub offers four bars under one roof.
Context: The Scorpio closed its original Freedom Drive location in October 2023 after 55 years of operation. It reopened in the RSVP complex in the summer of 2024.
Stop by: 225 Fairwood Ave.
Woodshed Bar
The vibe: A 21+ bar in west Charlotte with daily drink specials, pool tables, a spacious patio and two outdoor bars.
Stop by: 3935 Queen City Dr., near the airport.
- You must have a membership to enter or pay the guest cover. Memberships are $10, and you can sign up at the door.
Petra’s
The vibe: While not exclusively a gay bar, Petra's in Plaza Midwood is known for its live music and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere.
If you go: Attend one of their "Hazy Sundays," an outdoor day party on the back patio every first, third and fifth Sunday of the month from 4-9pm. It's $10 at the door.
Stop by: 1919 Commonwealth Ave., by Calle Sol and Common Market.
Pride Gatherings and Events
Cirque du Biere's Pride Party
What's happening: The Charlotte aerialist troupe will host its third-annual pride show and party Friday, June 26 at 7:30pm at Hi-Wire Brewing.
- Expect a live aerial show, tiny tattoos, a DIY bracelet bar and more.
- Tickets: $25+
Stop by: 330 W. Tremont Ave.
Go deeper: Cirque du Biere combines aerial arts and Charlotte's favorite pastime — drinking beer
Q Fitness and Wellness 5K
What's happening: Q Fitness and Wellness, a local LGBTQ+ gym on The Plaza, is hosting a 5K benefiting Charlotte Pride.
If you go: The race takes place on Saturday, June 13 at McAlpine Creek Park on Monroe Road and is open to both runners and walkers.
- There's also a "ZeroK" experience — an accessibility-focused option for people who want to cheer on participants, connect with the community and support the event without running or walking the race.
Details: The race begins at 8:30am and will take place rain or shine.
The Girls & Gays Vintage Market by For The Girls Mkt
What's happening: This vintage market designed for "the girls and the gays" will bring over a dozen women-owned businesses from the East Coast, drag performances, Pride tattoos and more to NoDa Brewing.
If you go: The market takes place Saturday, June 20 from noon to 4pm.
- It's free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged.
Girl's Room pop-up parties
What to expect: Pop-up music events and parties "curated by LGBTQ+ ladies/djs/artists" at venues in Charlotte and Raleigh, per their Instagram bio.
- Check out Girl's Room on Instagram for more upcoming events.
Pride Crawls
Charlotte has a couple of Pride bar crawls happening in June, including:
- Saturday, June 20: Pride Crawl by Carolina Crawls | 4pm | $13+ | Multiple bars (check in at Slate)
- Saturday, June 20: Charlotte Pride Bar Crawl by PubCrawls.com | Check in from 4-7pm | $12.25+ | Bars TBA
Pride in the Park
What's happening: RAIN's Pride in the Park will take place at Mint Museum Randolph from 5-10pm on Saturday, June 27.
- Expect music, art and performances celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
- The event is free. RSVP here.
Twirl to The World
Context: Twirl to the World is a nonprofit organization that hosts events, like drag brunches and dance parties, to support the LGBTQ+ community.
- A portion of the proceeds from all events goes towards Twirl to the World's Twirl Assistance Program, which supports the local LGBTQ+ community.
What's next: The nonprofit will host its Charlotte Pride TWIRL Party Saturday, August 15. Details and location are TBD.
Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival
Context: While June is National Pride Month, Charlotte Pride hosts its festivities, including the Charlotte Pride Parade and Festival, in August.
What's happening: This year, Charlotte Pride runs Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16, in Uptown's First Ward Park and surrounding streets.
- Charlotte Pride Week, which will include numerous Pride events hosted by local businesses and organizations around the city, will run Friday, Aug. 9-Friday, Aug. 16.
What to expect: National and local entertainers across two stages (the main stage and community stage), plus a wide range of vendors, including art exhibits, local nonprofits and a food court.
- The two-day festival and parade are both free to attend.
- The parade will take place on Sunday along Tryon Street in Uptown.
Resources and Support Groups
RAIN: A Charlotte-based nonprofit “ empowering people living with HIV and those at risk to be healthy and stigma free," according to its website.
- RAIN also runs a drop-in resource center for LGBTQ+ youth in Charlotte called The Drop.
Time Out Youth: A support group for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. Get connected and stay up-to-date on Time Out’s events on Instagram.
PFLAG Charlotte: Founded in 1987, PFLAG Charlotte is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families. Stay connected on Instagram.
Charlotte Gaymers Network: Founded in 2020, CGN is a network of folks “from all walks of life who are united in our passion and love for all things gaming.”
- Events take place in Charlotte and surrounding areas — stay connected on Instagram.
QnotesCarolinas: An LGBTQ+ news publication based in Charlotte, covering everything from local arts and entertainment to sports and wellness.
Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce: This nonprofit serves local LGBT+ and Ally businesses and professionals, according to its Instagram bio.
Editor's note: This guide was originally published in June 2023 and last updated June 10, 2026.